Arizona House Votes to Legalize Off-Reservation Gambling

While the bill passed overwhelmingly, some legislators levied concerns about the amount in fees said franchises will pay to the state, if the gambling law is affirmed in the Senate. House Minority Leader Reginald Bolding (D-Laveen), spoke in concern of the exclusivity  sports franchise gambling law, saying “We are creating a market that only one set of players has access to,” he said, leaving the state with “no real negotiating power on the fees.”
 
According to the Arizona Republic, other states with similar gambling legislation in their state books have varying amounts of taxable fees on sports gambling, with some rights being purchased in a wide range of prices, averaging anywhere from $20 million to $500 million.
 
The bill is anticipated to pass in the Senate, with discussions being made about a possible extension to legalize gambling on historic horse racing sites.